Health officials: Over 140 confirmed cases of deadly fungus in NJ as outbreak continues to spread

Health officials say a deadly fungus known as Candida auris is spreading in New Jersey, with over 140 confirmed cases.

News 12 Staff

Dec 4, 2019, 12:39 PM

Updated 1,615 days ago

Share:

Health officials say a deadly fungus known as Candida auris is spreading in New Jersey, with over 140 confirmed cases.
The New Jersey Department of Health states that there are 141 confirmed cases of the fungus across the state, as well as 22 probable cases – as of Sept. 30. Authorities did not list the locations of these cases.
The Centers for Disease and Control says the fungus, also referred to as C. auris, is resistant to all three available classes of anti-fungal medicines. The infection is usually found in health care facilities, particularly in long-term acute care hospitals and nursing homes that take care of patients on ventilators. It is resistant to all antifungal medications.
Patients can carry the fungus on their bodies even if it is not making them sick.
Symptoms may include fever and chills that do not improve with antibiotic medicine. The CDC says that only a lab test can diagnose a C. auris infection. The CDC also about 25% of C. auris patients die.
A report states there are 806 confirmed cases of C. auris in the U.S.
Anyone who thinks that they may have been exposed to the fungus should contact their local health department and the New Jersey Department of Health Communicable Disease Service at 609-826-5964.


More from News 12
3:01
'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity

'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity

1:08
Mostly dry today with lots of cloud cover; change comes midweek for Connecticut

Mostly dry today with lots of cloud cover; change comes midweek for Connecticut

0:36
Sen. Blumenthal to seek emergency help for Norwalk businesses impacted by I-95 shutdown

Sen. Blumenthal to seek emergency help for Norwalk businesses impacted by I-95 shutdown

0:56
Nonprofit builders group celebrates 20th anniversary with annual fundraiser in Darien

Nonprofit builders group celebrates 20th anniversary with annual fundraiser in Darien

0:49
Mother’s Day event in Greenwich looks to empower women

Mother’s Day event in Greenwich looks to empower women

0:59
Pickleball America hosts first Dinko de Mayo Tournament

Pickleball America hosts first Dinko de Mayo Tournament

2:15
Turn To Tara explores how to stay safe from ‘cyber kidnapping’ scams

Turn To Tara explores how to stay safe from ‘cyber kidnapping’ scams

Connecticut National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

Connecticut National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

0:42
Texas, prolific retired Connecticut State Police K-9, dies from illness

Texas, prolific retired Connecticut State Police K-9, dies from illness

0:44
Handball tournament honors former Bridgeport state representative

Handball tournament honors former Bridgeport state representative

0:30
Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

0:34
State police: Merging car collided with tanker to cause I-95 overpass fire

State police: Merging car collided with tanker to cause I-95 overpass fire

0:32
Fairfield Avenue overpass damaged by fire fully demolished

Fairfield Avenue overpass damaged by fire fully demolished

1:51
Stamford FD: 67-year-old man found dead inside hoarder house following fire

Stamford FD: 67-year-old man found dead inside hoarder house following fire

0:21
Northbound lanes on I-95 in Norwalk back open following massive fire

Northbound lanes on I-95 in Norwalk back open following massive fire

0:22
 Officials: 2-car crash in Orange hospitalizes 7

Officials: 2-car crash in Orange hospitalizes 7

3:21
Bridge over section of I-95 in process of being demolished due to damage from truck fire

Bridge over section of I-95 in process of being demolished due to damage from truck fire

2:17
Norwalk company's custom truck was key tool to putting out I-95 tanker fire

Norwalk company's custom truck was key tool to putting out I-95 tanker fire

1:33
Norwalk restaurant owners say I-95 closure is severely impacting business

Norwalk restaurant owners say I-95 closure is severely impacting business